The craps horn bet is one of the most rewarding options in the game when it hits. Essentially, it’s a wager split into four even parts, each of which placed on one of four specific numbers to be rolled. Of course, there are plenty of details around this bet, and I’m here to help.
In this article, I explain what the horn bet in craps is and how the payouts work. After I’m done with the basics, I also cover the most popular craps horn bet strategies!
IMPORTANT: Before I continue, I want to warn you that the house edge of craps horn bets is in the 11-12% range, depending on the rules at the table. It’s one of the worst wagers you can make, so the only purpose of this one is to have some fun. If you want the best odds, avoid it.
What Is a Horn Bet In Craps?
A craps horn bet is a wager on one of four numbers (2, 3, 11, and 12) to be rolled in the next roll. If any of these numbers is rolled, you win. If they aren’t, you lose. The horn bet is only valid for one roll.
It’s important to understand that your initial stake is split into four equal parts for the horn bet, one for each number. For example, if you bet $100, that’s essentially four $25 wagers on each of the four numbers.
You always lose at least three of the bets since only one of the numbers can be rolled, so that’s something to consider. This makes the payout a bit more complicated, but the next section will shed more light on that.
Craps Horn Bet Payout and Probability Chart
The following craps horn bet payout chart shows the probabilities and returns for each of the four numbers that are part of your wager.
Horn Number Probability Payout Payout on $100 Horn Bet 2 2.78% 30:1 $750 3 5.56% 15:1 $375 11 5.56% 15:1 $375 12 2.78% 30: 1 $750
Since the probabilities for 2 and 12 compared to 3 and 11, the payout is also bigger. You should also understand that the horn bet payouts are essentially on 1/4 of your initial stake. That’s because a horn bet is in reality a group of four equal wagers, as I explained before.
Here’s a quick example for further clarity. Imagine that you place $20 on the horn bet, get lucky, and hit a 2 on the next roll. The payout is 30:1 but only on a quarter of your bet, or $5. That’s why you win $150 and not $600.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the most common strategies people use for the craps horn bet.
Popular Craps Horn Bet Strategies
Many of these strategies are designed for real casinos but also work for online craps. They also don’t remove the house edge or even reduce it, so stay responsible if you decide to try them!
1. Martingale Horn Bet Strategy
Martingale betting means that you’ll be doubling your bet in factors of four. For example, starting at $8, you’ll place a horn bet (all four prop numbers) and win or lose, you’ll double your next Horn bet to $16, $32 and so on. Each time you double the bet until you win. Then, you start with your initial stake.
2. Whirl Betting and Hedging Horn Bet Strategy
A whirl bet is just a horn bet including a single prop bet on the number seven. Because of its 4:1 payout, a seven prop bet has the worst house edge in the game at 13%. Some players like to whirl bet, because the 4:1 winnings cover your losses on a horn bet.
This Horn bet strategy is all about using the most common numbers to hedge the rarest and highest paying ones, but for the most part the odds aren’t in favor of the strategy. You’d be better off hedging with a pass line or come bet.
Ready to Try Horn Bets at the Craps Table?
Now that you understand what a craps horn bet is, it’s time to make a decision on whether you want to try it. I would advise against it because the house edge is very high, but the potential returns are very tempting and could lead to a fun session.
If you want to give it a try, I recommend placing your horn bets at the Bovada Casino craps tables. You can try the games for free initially, to see if you like them. If you decide to play for real money, Bovada offers a 125% welcome bonus of up to $3,750 to new players.
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